Two Weeks into the XFL Season and fans are beginning to seem some consistency for some of the teams in Week 2. With Week 3 on the horizon our Quarterback Rankings once again see some movement as teams begin figuring out what works and what doesn’t. If you didn’t catch the previous week’s article be sure to check it out here, and watch the video going more in depth below:
Honorable Mention:
While I’d love to put D’Eriq King in our rankings he’s only thrown two passes in the season. King’s ability to create a dynamic rushing game for the Defenders, especially during the muddy game vs. the Vegas Vipers is what has helped catapult the Defenders to a 2-0 record going into week 3. While the Defenders passing game has been anemic it appears that King makes up for that after adding 32 rushing yards and a Touchdown on 4 attempts.
King’s rushing ability as well opened up the running game for Abram Smith as the Defenders totaled over 200 yards of offense on the ground this past Saturday. Also receiving an honorable mention is Cole McDonald. While McDonald did manage to throw his first pass attempts in the XFL, it was his rushing ability that made him an asset in Week 2 adding 39 yards on the ground opening up the rushing game for all of Houston’s running backs.
With Houston cruising to a 2-0 record with the dual Quarterback system I don’t expect much to change at the position moving forward with McDonald and Silvers complimenting each other very nice for the Roughnecks.
10. Luis Perez Vegas Vipers Previous Ranking #3
Stats: 1/5 0 Passing Yards 1 Rushing Attempt 9 Rushing Yards
Perez put together a nasty performance for Week 2 and not in a good way. Going 1/5 for 0 yards, Perez’s most productive play came on a scramble that led to 9 yards. With less than desirable weather conditions and ineffective play Perez was benched in of Brett Hundley. Going into week 3, it’s unclear if the “Spring King” will see the field for the Vipers moving forward.
9. Deondre Francois Orlando Guardians Previous Ranking Unranked
Stats: 6/13 8 Passing Yards 1 TD 1 INT 4 Rushing Attempts 14 Rushing Yards
Francois made his XFL Debut in Week Two and his first appearance in outdoor football since the Spring League in 2021. What we saw is less than inspiring results. Francois went 6/13 for 8 yards 1 TD and 1 INT. While Francois was able to make some plays with his adding 14 yards on the ground, the game often looked a bit fast for him and it appears he had trouble making some reads. With the Guardians as a team in shambles it appears a revolving door at Quarterback seems to be the norm moving forward into Week 3.
8. Brett Hundley Vegas Vipers Previously Ranking Unranked
Stats: 11/18 98 Yards 0 TD 0 INT 5 Rushing Attempts 24 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
Hundley was thrown in the fire in his XFL debut against the DC Defenders, facing the elements and an elite defense. While putting together a serviceable performance Hundley saw his teammates being plagued by drops and some unfamiliarity with the play book. With Vegas hosting the Sea Dragons in Week 3, Hundley seems in line to earn his first XFL start as Vegas seeks their first win of the 2023 season.
7. Jordan Ta’amu DC Defenders Previously Ranked #9
Stats: 11/23 93 Passing Yards 0 TD 0 INT 12 Rushing Attempts 68 Rushing Yards 2 Fumbles
Ta’amu bumps up one position due to poor play from the Perez, and Francois coupled with his rushing ability. Originally ranked Number One in our preseason ranking Ta’amu has failed to throw a passing touchdown and has thrown under 50% completion in his first two starts. Despite Ta’amu’s poor play through the air, he’s been to provide a spark with the Defenders due to their diverse rushing attack. With the Defenders 2-0 going into Week 3, Ta’amu needs to step up in hopes of them defeating the Battlehawks taking full control of the XFL’s North Division.
6. Paxton Lynch Orlando Guardians Previous Ranking #7
Stats: 9/19 79 Passing Yards 1 TD 0 INT 1 Rushing Attempt 9 Rushing Yards
Lynch started off hot again but was plagued by play calling and inconsistent workload. With the Guardians constantly switching in and out Quarterbacks neither one could get comfortable moving forward. In addition to being swapped out, Lynch was plagued by four drops by his receivers as well. With the Guardians Offensive Line barely providing much protection for Lynch or Francois look for either Quarterback to struggle and remain in the back half of our rankings moving forward.
5. Drew Plitt Arlington Renegades Previous Ranked #6
Stats: 15/30 120 Passing Yards 2 TD 2 INT 2 Rushing Attempts 14 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
Plitt looked a bit better in Week 2, however still is having issues getting comfortable. Aided by two fumbles by the Roughnecks on special teams that gave the Renegades short fields, Plitt was able to take advantage and cash in on two quick touchdowns, however, was plagued by three turnovers throughout the game. While Plitt did improve in Week 2, he ultimately could not cash in on some easy throws and at times looked jittery in the pocket due to Houston’s dynamic pass rush. With growing frustration from Renegades fans mounting, it may not be long before we see Kyle Sloter under center if Plitt continues to struggle moving forward.
4. Ben DiNucci Seattle Sea Dragons Previously Ranked #4
Stats: 19/29 196 Passing Yards 2 TD 0 INT 8 Rushing Attempts 38 Rushing Yards 1 Fumble
DiNucci played pretty well in Week Two however a late fumble, was again his Achilles Heel for the game once again. With the emergence of Jack Coan, DiNucci remains at #4 in this week’s rankings, despite leading his team to what could have been a go ahead score late in the 4th quarter against the Battlehawks. DiNucci and Seattle seem to be at times facing some miscommunication, which has plagued the Sea Dragons in not delivering the finishing blow to their opponents. With a June Jones Offense DiNucci should continue to put together nice stats, however, his inability to deliver the final punch and limit his turnovers will effect his ability to move up in our rankings.
3.Jack Coan San Antonio Brahmas Previous Ranked #5
Stats: 16/24 165 Passing Yards 3 TDs 0 INT 3 Rushing Attempts 23 Rushing Yards
Coan played a turnover free game in second start as a professional, as the Brahmas beat up the Guardians in Week 2, 30-12. Coan showed way more confidence, despite playing behind two back up Offensive Tackles, and managed to show poise, throughout the whole game. While the Guardians Defense aided Coan with penalties the former Indianapolis Colt cashed in on the Guardians mistaking earning him and Hines Ward their first career wins as professionals.
2.Brandon Silvers Houston Roughnecks Previous Ranking #2
Stats: 14/28 173 Passing Yards 2 TDs 0 INTs 3 Rushing Attempts -7 Rushing Yards
Silvers has had some difficulty in the second and third quarter, getting comfortable after a dynamic first half performance. While Coan statistically performed better Silvers still managed to provide competitive and solid quarterback play despite less opportunities due to special team blunders, leading to a quick 14 points by the Renegades. Ultimately Silvers made the throws that counted and managed to play turnover free football for the Roughnecks enroute to a second consecutive victory. With the struggles of Luis Perez evident, it appears Silvers may be usurping the title of “Spring King”, as the Alt-Football veteran continues to progress with AJ Smith as his Offensive Coordinator.
1. AJ McCarron St. Louis Battlehawks Previous Ranking #1
Stats: 22/36 184 Passing Yards 1 TD 0 INT 5 Rushing Attempts 41 Rushing Yards 1 Rushing TD
McCarron goes consecutive weeks at #1 after leading the Battlehawks to another last second victory. McCarron like many Quarterbacks on this list was plagued by drops by his receivers (6), but the veteran showed leadership and poise behind an Offensive line that gave up a ton of pressure coming from his Offensive Tackles. McCarron, whose grit has become a staple of this team, continues play turnover free football, giving the Battlehawks a 2-0 record, going into Week 3’s battle vs. DC Defenders for the ownership of 1st place in the North Division.
For a more in-depth breakdown of Week 2 QB Play Check out the video below:
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Ken Granito
February 27, 2023 at 11:47 am
More QBs with under 100 yards than with over 200. VERY weak! I imagine this will improve as lines and offenses gel. However, the XFL and USFL’s attempt to shorten the game by rushing the game and allowing the clock to run after incompletions provides for either less plays or the team rushing in between plays instead of using the proper preparation. While we try to adjust the growing pains, I guess we will have to deal with very poor stats in the meantime. Fantasy team owners have had to have quarterbacks with negative points. I wrote a response to a USFL Newsroom article mentioning how doing this to the game would likely harm it. I said 300 yard passing games and 100 yard rushing games would go the way of the complete game shutout. I had no idea the 200 yard passing would be on the endangered list too. I also stated in that article, that it’s quite possible the league’s leading rusher could have 400+ yards rushing. After 2 weeks in the XFL we are not too far off.